At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Maurice Haynes offers dental sealants as part of his top-notch general dental services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.
What Are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are used to seal chewing or occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars in order to prevent them from getting cavities. Because these teeth, located in the back of the mouth, feature fissures, they are especially susceptible to decay. The grooves in the teeth can be hard to keep clean with a toothbrush. Because plaque will accumulate in these areas over time, it’s helpful to provide extra protection with a sealant. A sealant smooths over the pits and grooves in the teeth.
When Should Sealants Be Placed?
Generally, sealants are indicated in both children and adults whose back teeth have deep grooves, fissures or pits.
Dental Sealant Procedure
This is a very simple, pain-free procedure. The teeth that will be sealed are first cleaned. Next, the chewing surfaces are prepared with a mild acidic solution to make sure the sealant will stick to the tooth. The dentist then paints the sealant onto the tooth enamel. It will bond to the tooth and harden through the help of a special curing light.
Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dentists have been advocating sealants for over 30 years for many reasons:
- Makes it difficult for plaque to stick to teeth
- Prevents more than 80 percent of tooth decay
- Reduces the future need for fillings and dental work
- Presents an economical, preventive measure to keep teeth healthy for years
Dental Sealant Candidates
All children who have permanent molars are the best candidates. The first sets of permanent molars are called “6 year molars” and appear between the ages of 5-7 years old. The next sets of molars are called “12 year molars” and usually appear when the child is 11-14 years old. Also, if you are teenager or adult without cavities or dental caries you can get sealants.
Effectiveness of Dental Sealants
Sealants are 100 percent effective if they are fully retained on the tooth. If a sealant is lost or partially lost, it can readily be replaced to continue its effectiveness.
Do I Still Need to Brush and Floss My Dental Sealants?
Yes! It is very important to still brush teeth twice a day and floss daily. Sealants are just one part of the defense against plaque build-up and dental caries.
Why Choose Dr. Maurice Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?
Dr. Maurice Haynes stays up-to-date on the newest advances and technologies in the field of dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible. He combines excellent dental services with compassion and is an active member of the American Dental Association.
How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost in Greenbelt, MD?
The cost for dental sealants varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.
Your dental insurance may cover the cost of dental sealants. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your dental sealants coverage.
We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket dental sealants costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our dental sealants patients.
Additional Family Dentistry Topics:
- Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental X-Rays
- Dentures
- Fluoride Treatment
- Mouth Guards (Under Armour®)
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Root Canals
- Teeth Cleaning
- Tooth Extraction
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!